Getting a job is tough. The task is made more difficult when applying for a job out of town. HR and hiring expert, Alison Green, posted on her blog, “If I were choosing between two great candidates who were equally qualified in every way and I needed a deal-breaker, I’d go with the local person over the long-distance person.”

So if you’re looking for a job, but you have a phone number with a non-local area code, you may want to look at Google Voice as a possible solution. Google Voice allows you to get a phone number with any area code (as long as there are numbers available in the area code you’re looking for).

It’s important to note that it’s never a good idea to be dishonest while applying for a job. However, if you’re looking to relocate regardless, a local phone number may give you an opportunity that otherwise wouldn’t be there with a foreign area code.